| Title: |
Built-environment correlates of physical activity in youth with multiple sclerosis |
| Authors: |
Kumari, Sonika; Stephens, Samantha; Yoo, Paul Yejong; Arbour-Nicitopoulos, Kelly P; Feldman, Brian M; Finlayson, Marcia L; Marrie, Ruth Ann; Motl, Robert; To, Teresa; Yeh, E Ann |
| Source: |
Multiple Sclerosis Journal ; ISSN 1352-4585 1477-0970 |
| Publisher Information: |
SAGE Publications |
| Publication Year: |
2026 |
| Description: |
Background: Higher levels of physical activity (PA) among youth with multiple sclerosis (MS) associate with lower levels of disease activity, and better psychosocial outcomes. Yet, youth with MS remain inactive. Built-environment features may explain low PA and inform intervention design. Objectives: This cross-sectional study examined associations between built-environment features and PA levels among youth with MS. Methods: Youth (⩽18 years) with MS completed the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) for overall PA and a health contribution score (HCS; moderate & vigorous PA) in metabolic equivalents (METs). Built-environment features (intersections, green space, Walk/Transit Score) were linked to postal codes using the CANUE repository. Associations were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation. Result: Our sample included 59 youth (median age 15 ± 3 years; 61% female). Median GLTEQ and HCS scores were 43 ± 44 and 35 ± 42 METs/minutes/week. Greater greenspace at 500 m positively associated with GLTEQ and HCS ( r s = 0.33, p = 0.012; r s = 0.30, p = 0.020). Number of Intersections at 1000 m negatively correlated with GLTEQ and HCS ( r s = –0.39, p = 0.002; r s = –0.35, p = 0.006). Walk and Transit Score were not significantly associated with PA ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: We found associations between PA levels and greenspace and intersection density. Reasons for this require further investigation. |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| Language: |
English |
| DOI: |
10.1177/13524585251407505 |
| Availability: |
https://doi.org/10.1177/13524585251407505; https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/13524585251407505; https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full-xml/10.1177/13524585251407505 |
| Rights: |
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ ; https://journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.B9832CF4 |
| Database: |
BASE |